Submission ID 129962
| Issue/Objective | Climate change is increasingly driving internal displacement and cross-border migration in West Africa, exacerbating inequities in access to health services. Despite growing recognition, evidence linking climate-induced mobility to health system strain remains fragmented. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A mixed-methods analysis was conducted using regional climate data (1990-2023), migration estimates, and health service utilization trends across Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. Key informant interviews with policymakers and displaced populations were also analyzed thematically. |
| Results | Climate shocks (flooding and drought) increased by over 35% across the study period, correlating with a 22% rise in internal displacement. Displaced populations experienced significantly reduced access to maternal and primary healthcare services (adjusted OR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.51-0.78). Health systems in receiving communities showed increased service burden without proportional resource allocation. Key barriers included lack of documentation, language differences, and fragmented policy coordination. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Climate change acts as a structural driver of health inequities through migration pathways. Strengthening cross-sectoral governance, integrating climate adaptation into health planning, and ensuring inclusive service delivery for mobile populations are critical for equitable health outcomes. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Oscar Lambert KNUST-IVI Collaborative Centre Sadat Ibrahim KNUST-IVI Collaborative Centre Obed Atsu-Ofori KNUST-IVI Collaborative Centre |
